take something personally

take (something) personally

To be offended, upset, or negatively affected by something at a personal level; to consider something as being a direct, personal attack against oneself. Don't take his comments personally—he's that hard on everyone in the office. I know these comments are all from anonymous people on the internet that I'll never meet, but it's still hard not to take them personally. I'm just afraid that all these people we're not inviting to the wedding will take it personally.

take something ˈpersonally

feel personally offended by somebody’s general remark, etc: I was talking about people having smelly socks, and I’m afraid Mike took it personally. ♢ Look, don’t take this personally, Sue, but there are several people in this office who are not working hard enough.